Hi-tech revision help (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Hi-tech revision help

11:00am Thursday 28th June 2012 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

STUDENTS studying for their GCSEs at a Basingstoke secondary school have been using new technology to help them revise for their all-important exams.

Rather than listening to their favourite music or catching up with friends on Facebook, pupils have been able to use their iPods and mobile phones to prepare for their exams instead.

The school has subscribed to GCSEPod, an audio-visual learning material, which allows pupils to access a comprehensive range of revision podcasts which can be downloaded on to their phones, iPods and iPads, so they can carry on learning outside of school.

Pupils have downloaded thousands of hours of revision podcasts to help with their exams.

Dominic Tester, assistant headteacher at Costello, said: “Students today consume information in a very different way to previous generations, which is why we were keen to develop our use of new technology across the school to enhance the students’ learning experience both inside and outside of the classroom.

“GCSEPod allows our students to learn with the mobile technology that they are familiar with and use every day.

“Because the content is readily accessible and can be downloaded easily on to iPods, iPads and mobile phones, the podcasts can be listened to on the go and at any time of the day, which is great for short sharp bursts of revision, which are known to be highly effective.

“We are providing our students with the material that they need to take control of their own learning, which is important as they continue with their studies and enter their adult lives.

“GCSEPod is helping our students to gain a greater appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of what they have learned in the classroom.”

GCSEPod covers 13 subjects and is relevant to the six main UK examination boards.

It has been designed in collaboration with teachers and students to meet the needs of GCSE students in terms of curriculum, content, tone and technology.

Mr Tester added: “Helping students to recognise that the technology that they use day-to-day in a social context is a powerful learning resource which is hugely important for a technologically savvy generation.

“We have been overwhelmed by our students’ enthusiasm for GCSEPod and the amount of revision podcasts that are being downloaded.

“We will be very interested to see how this approach to revision, alongside the quality teaching we provide, will impact on this summer’s exam results.”